Memory integrity for meters
US6219656A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C29/74
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved process ensures to the extent possible that the usage memory of an electronically-based electricity meter is always in a state that most recent data may be retrieved. Two separate areas or pages of memory are maintained and updated as to quantitative consumptions, e.g., kiloWatt-hour. Preferably a non-volatile form of memory is used. The older of the two data memories is updated, based on a data validation check. The approach ensures that a previous value is always retained, to prevent full data loss in the event that the power goes down. If one area of memory becomes corrupted, the other value can be retrieved and verified so as to prevent loss of both memory areas, before a subsequent data reading (such as kWh or a unit of time for a kW reading). Use of a relatively smaller unit of measure prevents any significant adverse affects to the accuracy of the value stored. In other words, the maximum data lost is limited to the chosen unit of measure since the most recent previous update.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.